Free PEP check
Free PEP Check Online: Instant Politically Exposed Person Screening
If you are looking for a free tool for checking PEP status (a PEP screening tool), you can run a free online lookup right here, with no obligations. After the free period you can decide to use our services by purchasing simple pre-paid packages. We guarantee no hidden cost - clear and simple pricing. For the same price you can use our PEP screening solution via API (REST) and Web Applications on-line.
Why PEP screening is so important?
PEP status check is a part of client screening - a part of the customer enhanced due diligence (EDD) process which is regulated by The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017 (2017 No. 692). In early 2018, The Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) is based within the FCA and will work with all of the UK's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisors to help improve standards, and with law enforcement to strengthen cooperation.
Check PEP status online
Enter a first and last name to run a free PEP status check against global politically exposed person and sanctions lists.
Free check, no account required. Results are indicative and do not replace full enhanced due diligence.
🔒 Zero Data Retention Policy: search queries are processed in memory and are never logged, stored or shared (UK GDPR compliant).
Reviewed by the AML & Compliance Team, Machine Mind Ltd.
How Our Free PEP Screening Tool Works
Our free PEP check online tool performs an instant name check against international Politically Exposed Person registers, sanctions lists and adverse media sources. It is designed for a quick preliminary verification, so you can decide whether a full Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) process is required.
1. Instant Database Cross-Referencing
The name you enter is compared in real time with consolidated public sources, including the UK OFSI list, the EU Consolidated Financial Sanctions list, the UN Security Council registers and the US OFAC SDN list. Matching is tolerant to name order and to common spelling and transliteration variants.
2. Relative and Close Associate (RCA) Detection
PEP risk does not stop with the individual. Our checks can also cover Relatives and Close Associates (RCA), such as family members and business partners connected to a politically exposed person, because AML rules require them to be screened as well.
3. Official Audit-Ready Summary
Every lookup returns a clear summary of whether a direct high-risk match was found. Regulated businesses that need a timestamped certificate for HMRC, SRA or FCA inspections can generate a full audit-proof report through HyperFlow.
PEP Categories Covered by Our Checks
Politically exposed persons are grouped by the level and sensitivity of the public function they hold. Screening usually covers the following tiers.
Tier 1 & Tier 2: Heads of State, Ministers, and MPs
Senior national figures, including heads of state and government, ministers, deputy ministers, senior judges, ambassadors and members of parliament. These carry the highest risk rating and typically require the strongest controls.
Tier 3 & Tier 4: Local Government and State-Owned Enterprise Executives
Regional and local officials, mayors, members of regional councils, and directors of state-owned enterprises or state agencies. Risk is lower than Tier 1 but still relevant for customer due diligence.
RCA: Screening Spouses, Business Partners, and Relatives
Relatives and close associates of a PEP, such as spouses, children, parents and known business partners, are flagged because they can be used to conceal the proceeds of corruption.
PEP Screening Regulations & Legal Requirements
In the United Kingdom, PEP screening is a legal duty under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017, supported by the JMLSG guidance and supervised by the FCA. Across the European Union, the Anti-Money Laundering Directives (including 6AMLD) impose equivalent obligations, and the FATF Recommendations set the international standard for politically exposed persons.
Authoritative sources you can consult directly: FCA guidance FG17/6 on the treatment of PEPs, GOV.UK Money Laundering Regulations guidance for businesses, and the FATF Guidance on Politically Exposed Persons.
Who Needs to Perform Regular PEP Checks?
Ongoing PEP screening is required for a wide range of regulated and high-risk businesses, including accountants and auditors, law firms, estate agents, banks and fintechs, crypto exchanges, payment institutions, insurers and trust or company service providers. Any organisation subject to AML supervision should be able to demonstrate that its client screening is regular, documented and repeatable.
Free Check vs Enterprise Screening
A free online lookup is ideal for a quick first pass. The table below shows how it compares with the automated HyperFlow screening platform.
| Feature | Free Online Lookup (this tool) | HyperFlow Automated API |
|---|---|---|
| Global PEP & RCA coverage | Basic | Full, 200+ jurisdictions |
| Global sanctions (OFSI, OFAC, UN, EU) | Yes | Yes |
| HMRC / FCA compliant audit PDF | Watermarked only | Full certificate |
| Daily automated ongoing monitoring | No | Yes |
| Batch / bulk checks & API integration | No | Yes |
How to test PEP tool for free?
To test the PEP status check tool for free and with no obligation, simply create a free account on the HyperFlow platform by clicking the button below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this free PEP check legally valid for UK AML audits?
A free single lookup is a useful preliminary check for low-risk clients, but it is not on its own a substitute for full Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD). Regulated UK businesses under HMRC, SRA or FCA supervision must keep timestamped audit records. For audit-ready reports and daily ongoing monitoring, use HyperFlow.
Which sanctions and PEP registers are scanned for free?
The free check screens against global Politically Exposed Person registers and the major sanctions lists, including the UK OFSI consolidated list, the EU Consolidated Financial Sanctions list, the UN Security Council registers and the US OFAC SDN list.
Is my search data stored or shared?
No. We operate a zero data retention policy: the names you enter are processed in memory to run the lookup and are never logged, stored or shared (UK GDPR compliant).
What is the difference between a PEP and an RCA in this check?
A PEP holds a prominent public function. An RCA (Relative or Close Associate), such as a family member or a known business partner connected to that PEP, is screened as well, because AML rules treat RCAs as higher risk.
Have more questions about PEP regulations, FCA compliance or API limits? Read our Full AML & PEP Screening FAQ →
Need to Automate PEP Screening?
If you need to screen clients at scale, integrate PEP and sanctions screening directly into your onboarding flow. For developers, a single request is all it takes:
curl -X POST https://api.hyperflow.eu/v1/pep-check \
-H "Authorization: Bearer <YOUR_API_KEY>" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"first_name":"Jane","last_name":"Doe","country":"GB"}'
See pricing for the full AML screening API, or explore automated sanctions monitoring on the HyperFlow platform. Prefer to understand the basics first? Read who is a PEP and how to search the sanctions lists.